One Person Killed in Early Morning Two-Vehicle Crash on Route 66 in Forest County
JENKS TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Authorities in Forest County have released new details surrounding a tragic two-vehicle crash that claimed one life and shut down a section of Route 66 for several hours on Thursday morning.
According to the Forest County Coroner’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after 7:10 a.m. on October 30, following reports of a serious collision in Jenks Township. The crash involved two vehicles and occurred along a rural stretch of Route 66, a roadway known for its winding curves and limited visibility in certain areas.
Multiple agencies responded to the call, including local volunteer fire departments, EMS units, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Forest County Coroner. Upon arrival, first responders discovered two heavily damaged vehicles blocking both lanes of traffic. Despite life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, one of the drivers was pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending family notification. The condition of the other driver involved has not been officially disclosed, though initial reports indicate that they were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
The Forest County Coroner’s Office confirmed that an autopsy will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania State Police have taken the lead in reconstructing the accident to determine the cause and contributing factors.
A representative from Clarion County 9-1-1 confirmed that Route 66 was completely closed for several hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear debris from the roadway. The closure caused significant delays in the area, but all lanes have since been reopened to traffic.
Witnesses in the area described a heavy emergency presence along the route, with several fire trucks, police cruisers, and ambulances visible from a distance. One resident said, “It was a terrible scene. You never expect to wake up and see something like that happening so close to home.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed erratic driving in the area around that time to contact the Marienville barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police with any information that could aid in the case.
The tragic collision has left the tight-knit Forest County community mourning the sudden loss of life. Friends, neighbors, and local residents have taken to social media to express their condolences, remembering the victim as a kind and hardworking individual who will be deeply missed.
Officials have also taken the opportunity to remind motorists to remain cautious when traveling rural roadways, especially during the early morning hours when low light and fog can reduce visibility.
As loved ones grieve and investigators continue their work, this heartbreaking incident serves as yet another reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike — and how precious and fragile life truly is on the roadways we travel every day.
Leave a Reply